Matthew Clark Handicap

Off time: 15:06 | Winning time: 1m 25.54s

(3)

Dragons Tail^v¹⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: R Kingscote| T: Tom Dascombe| OR: 92| C

11/10

Winner of a maiden at this track last May, and runner-up in handicap here last month. Even better when close third at Haydock last time (in cheekpieces), and should make a bold bid if responding well to a refitted visor.

Form: 36-5203

(4)

Crossing The Line¹⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: David Probert| T: A M Balding| OR: 89| D

2/1

Has improved for step up to 7f of late, winning novice at Lingfield, and neck second of 10 to Clubbable on handicap debut at Chelmsford last time. Still unexposed, and should continue to give a good account.

Form: 160-212

(1)

Viscount Loftus¹⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: K Stott| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 84

9/1

Dual 5f winner who ran well when third at Ayr (7f) on penultimate outing, but wasn't in the same form at Haydock last time. Likely to bounce back, however, and yard's handicappers never taken for granted.

Form: 149-535

(2)

Gangland⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 8-9| J: Connor Beasley| T: R A Fahey| OR: 80| D

7/2

Step up to this sort of trip has helped of late, winning at Beverley prior to an excellent second to Byron's Choice last time. Can be slowly away, but every chance if starting on terms.

Form: 13-0712

Result Amended

Crossing The Line - Original Position 2nd. Amended Position 1st.

Viscount Loftus - Original Position 1st. Amended Position 2nd.

Forecasts

Dragons Tail (11/10), Crossing The Line (2/1), Gangland (7/2), Viscount Loftus (9/1)

A tight contest despite the small field, and none of the quartet can be dismissed. Marginal preference is for DRAGONS TAIL, who has proven his worth here in the past. Crossing the Line is still unexposed and can give the selection most to do, with Gangland also feared.